Big 12 Basketball power rankings: Kansas State soars, Texas Tech falters
1. Kansas Jayhawks – 13-1 (2-0)
Kansas may have entered league play as the perceived favorite in Big 12 Basketball but right out the gate, they showed their own vulnerability. At home against Oklahoma State, the Jayhawks were down by double-digits in the first half. They managed to slowly cut into the lead the rest of the game and caught up in the final minutes, before winning, 69-67.
Jalen Wilson continues his National Player of the Year campaign, scoring a team-high 20 points, while forward KJ Adams had his best game in a Jayhawks uniform, scoring 14 points on 6/6 shooting. Considering that the team’s three leading scorers combined for 12/32 from the field, Kansas needed the boost from Adams to survive.
The Jayhawks were more in control against Texas Tech this week, leading for the most part. But the Red Raiders refused to go away and kept it close to the final minute. In the end, Kansas held on for the 75-72 road win, led by a career-high 18 points, making all five of his three-point attempts. Wilson had 16 points, while Gradey Dick had 11 and eight rebounds.
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Kansas will continue to have a target on its back, especially against teams who desperately need a signature win. And no one is more desperate than West Virginia, who gets the next shot at the national champions at home this weekend.